Shelf life of Powder and Primers

[dusterboy49]

If I store my powder and primers in accordance with manufacturers
recommendations how long will they be good for?

 

[G_Stines]

Pretty much forever if you take care of them. I have a jug of powder that's over ten years old....

 

[tenring]

I load with 40 yr. old PD powder and 30 yr. old primers.

 

[shibumiseeker]

You won't live that long.

I'm using some H110 in my .458 socom and my 300BLK that was manufactured in 1963 and stored in a basement. The guy who gave it to me (20lbs) bought it when he was in his 20s. It's in paper bags (from the factory) and has been shooting fine, I've been through a couple pounds.

 

[giovani]

Won a steel dogs tournament saturday with powder I bought in 1992.

 

[Dave Doehrman]

If I store my powder and primers in accordance with manufacturers
recommendations how long will they be good for?

I recently shot some .50 BMG ammo that was date stamped 1957 and it fired just fine. Like others have said, I don't think you need to be concerned within your life span.

 

[jcwit]

Been using LR primers that were made in the 1940's. Used powder from the 1950's.

Yup! It lasts a long time.

 

[257robertsimp]

It will last a looong time if stored properly, If it ever appears rusty then it will be time to get rid of it.

 

[rhslover]

I have some 30yr old powder,works fine. I have heard that it will start to smell bad if it goes bad.

 

[Newhoosier]

I remember shooting ammo in the millitary that was older than i was. I currently have ammo from the 70's that does just fine. Check millitary specs. I would be more concerned about shooting new ammo in a very old gun.

 

[BogWalker]

Just keep it dry and it will be fine.

 

[PGRChaplain]

I'm loading today out of a can of Unique I bought in 1983. Oh, I forgot, using some Primers I found from same time.

 

[amboy49]

When I got into pistol reloading about two months ago I found a can of 231 that I had had for 20 years or more. Stored in my garage with the lid screwed on tight. All reloaded 9mm and .45 rounds fired without issue. I've never had primers that long - but feel certain they's last beyond your life expectancy

 

[kenjb]

Been using LR primers that were made in the 1940's. Used powder from the 1950's.

Yup! It lasts a long time.

I've use LR primers that may be that old, too, and have had no problems. Have some old powder, but haven't used it yet...just a little cautious.